Summer Webcasts to be shown

ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardeners will offer three, one hour educational webcasts this summer. The webcasts are open to anyone interested in learning more about the topics. The topics provide insight for beginning and experienced gardeners.

The Mahaska County Master Gardeners will host these webcasts at the Mahaska County Extension office. This is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Anyone interested in the topic is welcome. Prior registration is NOT required, but appreciated. Mahaska County will offer the following webcast on the dates indicated at Noon and 6:00 pm:

· June 25 Give Your Garden Wings, (pollinator garden best practices) with Jessie Lowry, Director of conservation and research at Blank Park Zoo;

· July 23 Gardening FAQ (vegetable and flowers) with Aaron Steil, assistant director at Reiman Gardens; and

· August 20 Ecology Plus Diversity (plant communities which mimic nature) with Grant Thompson, assistant professor of horticulture at Iowa State University.

Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their sixteenth year. The local program organized after the county held their first training. The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects. Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service. The Master Gardner training program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community! If you are interested in learning about becoming a Master Gardener, please contact the Extension Office.

More information about this and other events can be found at the ISU Extension and Outreach -Mahaska County Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; website www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska or email striegel@iastate.edu.